Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability Queensland

Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability Queensland Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability Queensland supports, advocates and empowers people with Intellectual Disabilities!

Currently we provide information and support, not only to families, but also through affiliate membership which includes teachers, therapists, medical professionals and other community workers. Information is also available to the general public, a service used particularly by students and hospital staff.

Every day at DSIDQ, we see people build confidence, develop new skills, make friendships, and achieve goals that matter ...
15/06/2026

Every day at DSIDQ, we see people build confidence, develop new skills, make friendships, and achieve goals that matter to them.

The support we provide is only possible because of the generosity of our community.

If DSIDQ has touched your life, or if you believe in creating a more inclusive Queensland for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability, we'd be grateful for your support.

Thank you for being part of our community.

Simply donate today by clicking "Donate" or by following this link: https://qld.fundraise.downsyndrome.org.au/

15/06/2026

As we reflect back at another busy and memorable week, let's take a look back at some of last week's highlights.

Things DSIDQ got up to this week:
🎥 Queensland Clubs and Pubs Media Opportunity
Lights, camera, action!
Friday started with a busy morning at the Broncos as DSIDQ was invited to participate in a Queensland Clubs and Pubs media release highlighting the employment of people with intellectual disability.

It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the value, skills, and contributions that people with intellectual disability bring to workplaces across Queensland, while helping to promote more inclusive employment opportunities. More to come in this space!

🏥 Queensland Roundtable, Driving Change: Better Health for People with Intellectual Disability

We also had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Queensland Roundtable, alongside some of our incredible members, Freya, Catherine, Nikela , and Claire.

A big thank you to these amazing ladies for attending and representing DSIDQ so thoughtfully. They made a fantastic contribution to the discussions, confidently sharing their thoughts and answering important questions, including what big change Queensland should aim to achieve to create a health system that is more connected, inclusive, easier to use, and more accountable for people with intellectual disability. Well done, ladies!

🗣️ Hear Me Out
Our Hear Me Out Debating Program continued this week, with participants building confidence, developing their communication skills, and learning how to express their opinions in a supportive and encouraging environment.

The program continues to provide a fantastic platform for self-advocacy, helping participants find and use their voices on issues that matter to them.
Find out more about Hear Me Out here:
https://idqld.org.au/hear-me-out-finding-your-voice-through-debate/

đź“š Our Continued Education Program (CEP) was in full swing, with participants developing essential life skills and continuing their learning in a supportive and inclusive environment.

To learn more about all the services, programs, and supports provided by DSIDQ, visit:
https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/

You can also contact our team at [email protected].

Health care works best when communication is inclusive, respectful and person-centred.Down Syndrome Australia’s Inclusiv...
14/06/2026

Health care works best when communication is inclusive, respectful and person-centred.

Down Syndrome Australia’s Inclusive Communication Health Ambassador Program resource has been created to support health care workers and health students to provide better care for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability.

The resource shares practical guidance from Health Ambassadors with Down syndrome, including the importance of giving people time, using clear language, creating rapport, offering support and using visual supports.

It is a useful resource for health professionals, students, clinics, hospitals, universities and anyone working in health care.

Access and share the resource to support more inclusive communication in health care.

&IntellectualdisabilityQueensland

Four adults with Down syndrome have been hired as research assistants in a study from The University of Queensland which...
13/06/2026

Four adults with Down syndrome have been hired as research assistants in a study from The University of Queensland which explores the quality of life of Gen Zs (18-30 year olds) with Down syndrome.

Funded by the National Disability Research Partnership, this is the first research project of its kind undertaken in Australia, with Professor Rhonda Faragher from UQ’s School of Education leading the way.

UQ has been engaging in research with the Down syndrome community for more than 40 years, but employing staff is an important new development, and a step forward in the right direction.

Read the full story here: https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/blog/2022/02/01/stepping-out-in-the-world-the-new-adulthood-for-gen-zs-with-down-syndrome/

Copied from https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/blog/2022/02/01/stepping-out-in-the-world-the-new-adulthood-for-gen-zs-with-down-syndrome/

12/06/2026

Learning doesn't stop after school.

Through 's Continued Education Program (CEP), participants continue building confidence, independence and lifelong skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

From public speaking to literacy, math and the arts, every day is filled with opportunities to learn, connect and grow.

We are proud to support people with intellectual disability to continue their education journey, pursue their goals and build the skills that matter most to them.

To register for CEP classes or to find out more information, please contact the team at:
Phone: 07 3356 6655
Email: [email protected]

A Bone-a-fide Update: A DSIDQ's update with CEO Sarah Bone.It continues to be a busy and productive time at DSIDQ, with ...
11/06/2026

A Bone-a-fide Update: A DSIDQ's update with CEO Sarah Bone.

It continues to be a busy and productive time at DSIDQ, with many important
initiatives underway.

Advocacy remains one of our key priorities. This week, I wrote to Minister Camm
outlining our concerns about the proposed NDIS changes and their potential
impacts on individuals, families, and communities across Queensland. We have
requested an opportunity to meet with the Minister to discuss these issues
further and to ensure the voices of people with Down Syndrome and intellectual
disability, families, and carers are heard.

We also have an important opportunity to contribute to the review of the
Queensland Carer Recognition Act. Families and carers play a vital role in our
communities, and it is essential that their voices are recognised and that the
value of informal caring is understood and respected.

If you would like to provide feedback to help inform DSIDQ's response to the
review, please share your thoughts here https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5P7YLXQvEkuO0RP9IGFPzAkVuWuaMF5Iv3B7hEg_jH5UOVlZSDdNREc5U1NYTE8wRjBMUTBNUEVCMS4u

As an organisation, we continue to focus on strengthening our services and
building our capacity to meet the community's evolving needs. We are currently
finalising appointments to our Education Team, which will further enhance our
ability to provide high-quality information, training, and support across
Queensland.

We are also recruiting for a new role that will strengthen our organisational
structure and support our work amid increasing compliance requirements,
governance expectations, and sector change. This position will help ensure
DSIDQ remains well-positioned to deliver high-quality services, advocacy, and
support into the future.

If you know someone who would be a great fit, please share this opportunity
through your networks: https://au.seek.com/job/92433226?ref=search-standalone&type=standard&origin=jobTitle =d52e80936db3789654007b8e7f0c8440a77b069d

&Governance &IntellectualDisabilityQLD

"How wonderful life is while you're in the world"🎶There's something special about sharing music together. Our DSIDQ comm...
08/06/2026

"How wonderful life is while you're in the world"🎶

There's something special about sharing music together. Our DSIDQ community had a wonderful time celebrating the songs of Elton John, creating memories, making connections and enjoying every moment.

"And I think its going to be a long, long time..." before we stop talking about this incredible day.

05/06/2026

As we come to the end of another busy week, we're looking forward to the weekend and an opportunity to recharge the batteries. Before we do, let's take a look back at some of this week's highlights.

Tuesday:
🎙️ We recorded another episode of our Now and the Future podcast. Keep an ear out for our upcoming episode, Voices That Matter, dropping on 21 June wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to all episodes here:
https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/services-and-supports/now-and-the-future-podcasts/

🗣️ Our Hear Me Out Debating Program is well underway in Brisbane. From 17–19 June, the program will be visiting Townsville. Find out more about Hear Me Out here:
https://idqld.org.au/hear-me-out-finding-your-voice-through-debate/

🏉 A bet with Down Syndrome NSW is a bet, and after Queensland fell short in State of Origin Game 1, our team had to wear Blues colours for the day. A deal is a deal!

Wednesday:
🤝 We hosted our Wellways Carer Gateway event on the Sunshine Coast. Our next free Carer Connection Event – Calm, Connect, Communicate will be held at Springfield Lakes on 24 June. This session provides carers with information and support around the decision for a loved one to move out of home and live independently. Places are limited. Find out more and register here:
https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/blog/event/carer-connection-event-calm-connect-communicate/

🚌 Our Skills for Independence participants continued building their public transport skills, helping to develop confidence and independence in the community. Learn more about the program here:
https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/services-and-supports/people-with-down-syndrome/kids-youth-and-adults/skills-for-independence/

Thursday:
🏫 Claire, our Support Services Officer, was out in the community attending the Geebung Special School Expo, connecting with families and sharing information about the supports and services available through DSIDQ.

Friday:
đź“š Our Continued Education Program (CEP) was in full swing, with participants developing essential life skills and continuing their learning in a supportive and inclusive environment. Find out more here:
https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/services-and-supports/people-with-down-syndrome/kids-youth-and-adults/continued-education-program/

To learn more about all the services, programs, and supports provided by DSIDQ, visit: https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/

You can also contact our team at [email protected].

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

A bet is a bet...After Game 1 of State of Origin, NSW came out on top which means the DSIDQ team, had to swap maroon for...
02/06/2026

A bet is a bet...

After Game 1 of State of Origin, NSW came out on top which means the DSIDQ team, had to swap maroon for blue today.

We'll let Down Syndrome NSW enjoy this one... for now.

Game 2 is coming. Maroons remember. đź‘€

Join us for our DSIDQ Club Game 2 watch party at our Ascot office on Wednesday the 17th of June. From 6pm-10pm, we will watch the game live on the big screen with friends, DSIDQ volunteers and staff and enjoy the great atmosphere. Cheer on your team, have a laugh, and be part of all the action. Whether you love footy or just want a fun night out, everyone is welcome.

Location: 77 Kitchener Road, Ascot – 4007 – Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Queensland Office

Sign up and let us know if you're coming through this link or our "Events" page on our website - https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/blog/event/state-of-origin-watch-party-game-2-ascot/

Address

77 Kitchener Road
Ascot, QLD
4007

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+61733566655

Website

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